Tyrone Jackson, Realtor/ United Real Estate Gallery

How is the current market affecting buying and selling trends? The current market is being driven less by inventory and more by affordability. There isn’t a shortage of homes — there’s a shortage of affordable homes. High interest rates, insurance increases, and rising taxes have all squeezed buying power. So even people who want to move are hesitating unless life forces the decision.

A big misconception is that when the Fed drops rates, mortgage rates immediately follow. They don’t work on the same system. Banks price risk, liquidity, and inflation into mortgage rates — and when their cost to borrow rises, buyers feel it in payments. That’s why education matters so much. Once people actually understand what drives rates, they can make smarter timing decisions.

Another trend impacting the market — especially here in Florida — is the surge in new construction. Builders are offering rate buy-downs and incentives that private sellers simply can’t match. That not only affects resale pricing, but even the rental market, because we now have entire build-to-rent communities competing with landlords.

Military households feel this especially hard. Many purchased with VA loans and little to no money down, then receive PCS orders before they’ve built meaningful equity. Some can’t sell without bringing cash to closing — and renting isn’t always realistic when new construction rentals are undercutting pricing.

So what’s the net effect?
• Buyers are cautious
• Sellers only move when necessary
• Education becomes the real advantage

Fear drives hesitation — and confidence returns when clarity returns. When people understand the numbers, their options, and the true market conditions, they can take action without guessing. That’s why I center everything around education. The market changes — but informed clients always win.

What technologies are transforming the real estate experience? AI — hands down — is the biggest technology transforming real estate right now. And I’m not just talking about ChatGPT. There are AI tools for research, marketing, data analysis, communication, contract support, scheduling — you name it. Tasks that used to take me hours now take minutes.

The agents who learn how to leverage AI will operate faster, smarter, and with better client communication. It doesn’t replace us — it amplifies us. But the reality is this: you won’t be replaced by AI… you’ll be replaced by someone who knows how to use it.

How do you stay competitive in such a dynamic industry? I stay competitive by staying visible and staying connected. I invest in my brand, make sure my online presence is complete and credible, advertise every listing, and collect real reviews so people know exactly who they’re dealing with. If you Google my name, you’ll actually find me.

But the real edge is networking. I stay plugged into other professionals, markets, and communities so I’m always learning and sharing information. Real estate isn’t a solo sport — team success compounds. When you surround yourself with sharp people and stay active in the industry, you stay relevant.

What’s your approach to building long-term client relationships? My approach to long-term client relationships starts on day one. I don’t look at this as a transaction — it’s a transformation. I stay involved, I follow up, and I continue serving my clients long after closing. That means checking in during milestones, supporting them when issues pop up, reminding them about Homestead or warranties, and being their go-to resource for contractors, insurance questions, taxes — whatever they need.

I treat clients like real people I actually care about — because I do. And when people know you’re still there after the commission is paid, that’s when trust becomes lifelong.

How do you navigate challenges like interest rate fluctuations? navigate interest rate swings through education, strategy, and timing. I don’t pretend to predict the future, but I do understand market cycles, seasonality, and how financing structures impact affordability. That allows me to guide clients toward the right move at the right time — whether that means exploring new construction incentives, shopping multiple lenders, or structuring deals creatively.

For sellers, pricing and marketing are everything. If a property is positioned correctly, it will sell in any rate environment. And for buyers, I remind them that rates are temporary — equity isn’t. Sitting on the sidelines trying to “time the bottom” usually just means paying someone else’s mortgage while prices continue to move.

My job is to replace fear with clarity so clients make informed, strategic decisions — regardless of what the Fed is doing that week.

What makes a property stand out to buyers today?What makes a property stand out today is world-class presentation. Professional media — video, drone, creative branding, staging, and targeted advertising — is the difference-maker. Most homes offer similar features. The properties that win are the ones marketed like premium products, priced correctly from day one, and introduced to the market with intention. Great marketing doesn’t just show the home — it sells the lifestyle.

What advice would you give first-time homebuyers or investors? For first-time homebuyers, my biggest advice is: interview agents and ask a lot of questions. Don’t just go with the first person you meet. Sit down — even virtually — and make sure the person guiding you actually understands the market, the contracts, the process, and how to protect you. And don’t rely solely on what anyone tells you — do your own research too. The more informed you are, the smoother and safer the experience will be.

For investors, creativity is key — but it has to be grounded in reality. Know your numbers, understand the current market, and partner with an agent who actually studies deals instead of just unlocking doors. Be flexible, because sometimes “perfect math” doesn’t exist — but opportunity still does. And above all, make sure every deal works for everyone involved. Good business doesn’t leave a trail of regret behind it.